Lost out to a non-specialist - how do I get over this?

[CharlotteCollinsneeLucas]

Maths HoD job came up recently. Two candidates: I already work at the school, he doesn't. I'm a maths specialist, he's Maths and PE. Currently head of PE somewhere. I've been head of maths twice before. But he got the job.

How important would you say it is to have a specialist as maths hod?

My feedback was innovative lesson, great rapport with students, but less experience in leading a department. I don't feel they have me a chance to talk about my leadership experience! I'm trying not to conclude it's just sexism.

Please help me see this rationally! It's been a few weeks now and I keep thinking I'm ok and then I just get really angry again!

PE teachers are very good at talking the talk.

Actual experience seems to be valued less than hot air these days.

Get out while you can.

They've employed him because they need another maths teacher. There are so many maths jobs out there.

Only (marginally) less cynical, but I could see a situation where they preferred an external HoD to secure maths dept staffing i.e. if you got the role they would presumably need another maths teacher because of the reduction in your timetable and since we’re past resignation dates etc. that’s not going to happen.

All of my school’s recent roles (AHT, HoY, DH Sixth Form) have ALL been advertised as roles for maths/physics teachers and not advertised internally (although I guess nothing theoretically stopping an internal candidate to apply)

(Yep, what @Teachermaths said)

That's a good point about recruiting. If he hadn't got it, all they could offer him would be part time, and if he turned that down we'd be in a bad position at this stage of term.

Still, maybe they're just delaying the recruitment problem, as I now feel unvalued and am looking round for alternatives. We live in the middle of nowhere, though, so realistically there aren't many options.

Schools are very short sighted when it comes to recruiting I think.

Wait it out until you see a job that interests you. Remember you're not in a rush, you know the school etc. Be bright and breezy with the new guy and quietly get the hell out!

A Maths and PE teacher isn’t a non-specialist though. His degree could well be in Maths. If he trained abroad there’s a very good chance he trained in teaching both. Our Canadian trained teachers have all had more than one subject specialism. Usually two, but occasionally three subjects. Sometimes they end up only teaching one subject in the UK but it would be quite rude to refer to them as non-specialists. We had a PE and History specialist who was excellent. A fair few of our Irish teachers have more than one subject too.
It’s disappointing for you and it is, of course, possible that this was sexism or an interview panel dazzled by someone who talks a good talk, but I think you should reserve judgement.
It’s horrible how quick some in our profession are to take a swipe at teachers of certain subjects.

Thank you, Sabine - it's that sort of straight talking I really need to hear! Hopefully he is experienced at teaching maths and in a good position to lead the department. I should reserve judgement.

Or...You could’ve just under performed in interview. Also, the fact you assume your the better choice when you don’t really know them other candidate is rather telling. Add the fact you’ve jumped straight to the ‘sexism’ conclusion and slay you’re dummy out and I can see why you may not have been hired.

Take the feedback and do something constructive with it.

Someone once said to me that when there is a shortage of core teachers, it makes little sense for schools to internally promote good maths/science/english teachers as then they have to go to the trouble of finding another body to teach the core subject.
At first I thought they were bitter and cynical. Then I started noticing how often that seemed to happen. I'm not saying it happens all the time, but I do think there's a bit of trying to maximise bodies in schools.

Also, I agree with other posters about hot air being valued more and PE staff being over represented in senior leadership. Core subject staff have rarely been on SLT in my last few schools.

Another one saying that they needed another Maths teacher! There’s one hell of a shortage. Which could work out well for you in the long run, OP.

It’s often easier to get promotion by making an external move, as the panel doesn’t know your flaws. They take into account the negative and the positive of an internal candidate, whereas it is perhaps easier for an external person to come across as fresh and dynamic.

Agree they've done that to get another maths teacher. Do you have. Tlr already in dept?
Bet you end up doing lions share

I wouldn't mind doing some of the work if I were going to get paid for it. We'll see what happens.

Yes, I can see that the sexism comment looks bad, out of context like that. Thing is, two people interviewed me - and one has been known to behave in a sexist way.

Anyway, I'm feeling better about it all today, thanks in part to your comments, and probably in part to time. It was seven weeks from current HoD announcing departure to interview, so quite a long time to be thinking myself into the role. I suppose it's only natural it'd take a couple of weeks to adjust my mindset back again.

Yup, it's a recruitment issue, almost certainly.

How galling it will be for them if you now leave with your maths specialism to take up a position in another school.

That's really disappointing for you. As a Maths specialist, the world is your oyster though!

Do you know he hasn’t got 2 specialisms? This may be what hit him the job. You need to focus on your future rather than thinking about him

Perhaps he was more suited to the role?

A Maths and PE teacher isn’t a non-specialist though

Yes-this is true. He could have a maths degree and love PE as well so has two things to bring to the school?

Well, I meet him on Monday, so I suppose I'll get an idea if the more charitable suggestions here are true!

I'm starting to focus on my future now, but the fact it doesn't include a pay increase is still disappointing.